Heart attacks are a serious medical emergency that requires immediate attention.

Although some heart attacks are sudden and intense, with chest pain being the main symptom, others can have a gradual onset of symptoms that may not seem obviously related to the heart.

It’s possible to have a heart attack without experiencing any chest pain at all. In fact, many people who have had heart attacks describe a feeling of discomfort rather than pain.

It’s important to be aware of these non-specific symptoms that could indicate an imminent heart attack. If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention immediately:.

Shortness of breath

Shortness of breath can be a symptom of an impending heart attack. It may feel like you’re getting winded more easily than usual from everyday activities, such as walking up stairs or getting dressed.

You may also experience shortness of breath while resting. This symptom can be accompanied by a feeling of tightness in the chest or upper back.

Fatigue

Fatigue is a common symptom of heart attack in women in particular. It may feel like you just can’t get enough rest, or like you’re too tired to do much of anything. This symptom can occur suddenly and persist for several days.

If you experience fatigue along with any of the other symptoms on this list, seek medical attention immediately.

Nausea and vomiting

Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms of many illnesses, but they can also be a sign of an impending heart attack.

You may feel like you have a stomach bug, but if your symptoms persist for several hours or you experience them along with other symptoms on this list, seek medical attention immediately.

Cold sweats

Cold sweats or clammy skin can be a sign of an impending heart attack. You may feel like you’re breaking out in a cold sweat even if you’re not doing anything strenuous. This symptom can be accompanied by light-headedness or dizziness.

Jaw pain

Jaw pain is a less common but still significant symptom of an impending heart attack. It may feel like you have a toothache or a tightness in the jaw.

While jaw pain can be caused by other factors such as teeth grinding or TMJ, if you experience it along with any other symptoms on this list, seek medical attention immediately.

Back pain

Back pain can be a symptom of an impending heart attack. It may be a dull ache or a sharp pain in the upper back or between the shoulder blades.

This symptom can be difficult to distinguish from other causes of back pain, so if you experience it along with any other symptoms on this list, seek medical attention immediately.

Arm pain

Arm pain is a well-known symptom of heart attack, but it’s not always felt in the left arm. Pain in the right arm can also be a sign of an impending heart attack. This pain may come and go or could persist for several minutes.

If you experience arm pain along with any other symptoms on this list, seek medical attention immediately.

Chest discomfort

Chest discomfort is a common symptom of heart attack, but it doesn’t always feel like a sharp pain in the chest. Some people describe it as a feeling of tightness, pressure or fullness in the chest, or like a band around the chest.

This symptom may last for several minutes or come and go. If you experience chest discomfort along with any other symptoms on this list, seek medical attention immediately.

Indigestion or heartburn

Indigestion or heartburn-like symptoms can be a sign of an impending heart attack.

You may feel like you have a stomach bug, but if your symptoms persist for several hours or you experience them along with other symptoms on this list, seek medical attention immediately.

Unusual anxiety

Unexplained or unusual anxiety can be a sign of an impending heart attack. You may feel like you’re having a panic attack or an overwhelming sense of dread. This symptom can occur suddenly and persist for several minutes or hours.

Conclusion

Heart attacks can have a range of symptoms, some of which may not seem obviously related to the heart. If you experience any of the symptoms listed above, seek medical attention immediately.

Early intervention can help improve outcomes and increase the chances of survival.